Franco Smith offers update on ‘quick healer’ Sione Tuipulotu with major British and Irish Lions admission made

Glasgow Warriors head coach Franco Smith is backing ‘quick healer’ Sione Tuipulotu to get back fit in time for the British and Irish Lions tour this summer. 

The powerhouse centre missed Scotland’s Six Nations campaign through a ‘freakish’ pec injury picked up in training but is still one of the frontrunners to be named in Andy Farrell’s touring party to face the Wallabies.

But, with only a handful of games between now and Farrell’s squad selection on the 8th of May – which will be hosted at the O2 in front of 2,700 fans – Tuipulotu faces a race against time if he wants to don a red jersey.

Sione Tuipulotu backed for Lions tour despite injury woes

Before his injury, Tuipulotu was arguably the first name on many people’s fantasy Lions squads after some brilliant performances for Scotland during the autumn, but his injury has allowed the likes of Bundee Aki, Robbie Henshaw and even Scotland replacement Tom Jordan to play themselves into contention.

But, speaking ahead of his side’s URC clash with Munster, head coach Smith believes his star centre will get some precious minutes into his legs before the end of the domestic season.

“He’ll be back (before the end of the season), I’ve got no doubt about that,” said the Glasgow boss. “I’m excited by his progress. He’s a quick healer and he’s been diligent with his rehab. I know how hard he works.”

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However, he was also hesitant to put an exact date for when we could see Tuipulotu return to action.

“To put a timeframe on it now is unfair,” he said. “It just creates expectations.”

Smith added: “We want to be accurate and precise (with his return to play). We want to allow him to hit form quickly, but we’ll let the medical timeframe play out.”

Despite the more cautious approach to getting him back on the pitch, Smith still feels he will be on Farrell’s shortlist for the Lions tour.

“He’s definitely in contention to play for the Lions in the summer, he’s a top-class player.”

A win for Glasgow over Munster this weekend would see them close the gap on table-topping Leinster and also but some breathing space between them and the Bulls in third.

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